Katarina Kyrka (Catherine's Church), Stockholm

Catherine's Church (Katarina Kyrka) is one of Stockholm's most iconic churches, rich in history and architectural significance. Located on the site of the infamous Stockholm Bloodbath of 1520, the church's construction began in 1656 and was completed in 1695, though it faced numerous delays due to financial constraints during the reign of King Charles X of Sweden. The church was named in honor of his mother, Princess Catherine.

The church's architecture reflects the work of three architects over time. Originally designed by Jean de la Vallée in the 17th century, the church featured classical elements. After a fire in 1723, Göran Josua Adelcrantz, the city's architect, rebuilt the church with a larger, octagonal tower. Another fire in 1990 left only the exterior walls standing. Architect Ove Hidemark led the restoration, faithfully recreating the original 17th-century design, including a new organ by J. L. van den Heuvel Orgelbouw.

The church's cemetery is the final resting place for several notable Swedes, including Sten Sture the Elder, a prominent statesman and regent of Sweden during the late 15th and early 16th centuries; Sven Bergqvist, a famous football player; Cornelis Vreeswijk, a beloved Dutch-Swedish singer; and Anna Lindh, the Swedish Foreign Minister who was tragically assassinated in 2003.

Another notable feature of Catherine's Church is Karl XII's Stair, a double staircase leading from the cemetery to the southern entrance of the church. Constructed between 1712 and 1715, it was named after King Charles XII of Sweden and was dedicated in 1715. The stair's railing, crafted by blacksmith Benjamin Roth and later renovated by his son Carl Roth in 1776, features engraved pillars with a poem about the king.

Catherine's Church remains a symbol of resilience and continuity in Stockholm's history, reflecting both its tumultuous past and the enduring legacy of Swedish architecture.